Appliance and Electrical Fire Safety (US Fire Administration)

The U.S Fire Administration knows the importance of educating the community on Appliance and Electrical Fire Safety. Below you will find verified messaging and graphics from the USFA that you can schedule and post to your residents on Neighbors.

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Important Reminder!

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Sample message:

The U.S Fire Administration recommends calling a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have:
-Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
-A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
-Discolored or warm wall outlets
-A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
-Flickering or dimming lights
-Sparks from an outlet

Source: U.S Fire Administration


Quick Extension Cord Tip!

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Plugging a major appliance such as a refrigerator to an extension cord is a big fire risk! A fire can start just by the cord overheating!

Source: U.S Fire Administration


Extension Cord - Do's and Don'ts

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Sample message:

Extension cords can become a fire hazard if not used the proper way! Keep these tips in mind the next time you need to utilize an extension cord:

-Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.
-Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in, and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use.
-Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
-Do not run extension cords through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If the cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.

Source: U.S Fire Administration


Never overload power strips!

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Sample message:

Every power strip has a load capacity, which means it can only move so much power through its circuits at any given time. Overloading the strip can cause a fire to start!

Source: U.S Fire Administration


Protect Yourself From Damaged Electrical Cords

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Sample message:

The electrical cord connected to your appliances has what is called “live wires” that are securely insulated. If an electrical cord becomes frayed, this means the live wire can end up being exposed. When electrical wires are exposed, you have a dangerous situation, which can make you and other users vulnerable to electric shock and an electric house fire.

Follow these tips to protect yourself from damaged electrical cords:

-Check power cords regularly.
-If you have a damaged or frayed electrical cord, STOP using it, throw it out and replace it immediately.
-Avoid wrapping the electrical cord in PVC tape.
-You want to protect all electrical cords in your home so they don’t get damaged. To do this, don’t run cords under rugs or carpets and avoid hanging them from nails.

Source: U.S Fire Administration


Replace that cord!

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Sample message:

[Community Name] residents, if you come across a cord that is cracked, damaged or loose you should be replacing these cords ASAP! Avoid wrapping the cord in PVC tape. Your dad or grandfather may have done it, but it’s just a Band-Aid and not a permanent solution!

Source: U.S Fire Administration


Be Safe This Winter!

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Sample message:

[Community Name] residents, half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February! Here are a few simple safety tips and precautions that can help prevent most heating fires from happening.

-Have a three-foot (one meter) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
-Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
-Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
-Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

And the most important tip of them all: TEST YOUR SMOKE and CO ALARMS!

Source: U.S Fire Administration


Extension Cord Purchasing Tip

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Sample message:

When purchasing an extension cord be sure you are getting a cord with proper wattage rating. Match this up with your appliance or tool you will be using it for, and don’t use a cord that has a lower rating as this can be a fire risk!

Source: U.S Fire Administration


Kitchen Safety Tips

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Sample message:

Air fryers and insta-pots are all the rage right now! Keep these safety tips in mind the next time you’re cooking:

-Avoid plugging your kitchen appliances into extension cords. It’s also unsafe to plug in multiple cords at the same time.
-If an extension cord gets too hot, it can catch fire.
-Don’t use long cables and wires in a kitchen environment. These wires can create a tripping hazard which can cause the air fryer or insta-pot to fall off the counter while it’s in use.
-If you must operate an air fryer or insta-pot using an extension cord, keep in mind that it can cause what is known as an electrical overload. That’s more power than the extension cord can take and will cause the circuit breaker to trip, and the fuse could even explode.

Source: U.S Fire Administration


Air Conditioner Safety

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Sample message:

Keep your household safe by reducing the risk of home electrical fires when using air conditioners at home. Plug air conditioner (A/C) power supply cords directly into wall outlets, without utilizing extension cords, and ensure the circuit is adequately sized for the load of the air conditioner.

Source: U.S Fire Administration


Tips to prevent dryer fires!

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Did you know the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them? You should always be cleaning the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum and make sure to NEVER use a dryer without a lint filter!

Source: U.S Fire Administration


 

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